Gaddafi predicts end of rebels, NATO

Tripoli, Aug 15 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Beleaguered Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi has said the end was close for the rebels and the NATO.

In an audio broadcast on national television, Gaddafi said “the end of the coloniser is close and the end of the rats is close”, referring to the NATO and the rebels.

“They (the rebels) flee from one house to another before the masses who are chasing them,” Gaddafi said.

He called on Libyans to arm themselves and free the country from “traitors and from NATO”.

An uprising that began in Libya in February against Gaddafi’s 40-year rule has already claimed thousands of lives, with Gaddafi’s troops maintaining their hold in Tripoli, and a rebel group claiming its stake in Benghazi.

Thousands of people have left the country since NATO airstrikes “to protect civilians” began March 19 following a UN resolution.